Star dad Russell Crowe has turned environmental crusader.

The actor, soon to be seen in a remake of Robin Hood, Robin Hood, used an appearance on the David Letterman show to criticise the government over its handling of a Cape York wildlife reserve dedicated to the late Steve Irwin.

He told television audiences last last week it was a “global irresponsibility” to allow bauxite mining to go ahead on 200 hectares of land near the Wenlock River, which is said to act as a water filter for the nearby Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

“There are some species there of plants and animals that don’t really appear in other places.

“You know [Steve's] not here to stand up for himself and I just feel, as his friend, that we can’t do that.

Crowe and Irwin were great mates before Irwin’s untimely death two years ago. As well promoting a petition, “Save Steve’s Place”, he also took aim at Environment Minister Peter Garrett for not returning his calls.

Crowe owns a large block of land in Northern NSW and I’m sure this is a passionate issue for him, especially now he is a father and wants to protect the environment for his boys.